Major incident declared in Nottinghamshire due to near record-breaking flooding as residents forced to evacuate

4 January 2024, 15:07 | Updated: 4 January 2024, 15:39

A local council has declared a major incident after widespread flooding caused by Storm Henk.

Nottinghamshire County Council warned peaks of the River Trent could come close to the highest on record since 2000.

The council's tactical co-ordination group met on Thursday as a number of road closures and flood alerts remain in place.

Firefighters have also rushed to evacuate a static residential park in Radcliffe and residents in other at-risk areas have been urged to prepare in case they need to evacuate.

The council said key tributaries that feed into the River Trent - including the River Derwent, the River Soar and the River Dove - had reached their peaks, so high water levels would now pass down the Trent. This is likely to lead to more flooding to properties and roads, the authority says.

Councillor Neil Clarke, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "We have already evacuated some communities - some low-lying areas - but as the levels are still rising, it is important people are aware and take precautions."

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Earlier rail passengers were urged to travel home early as flooding misery continued two days after Storm Henk with the Met Office expanding a heavy rain warning.

Great Western Railway told customers to avoid starting journeys and said those who had already travelled should consider taking a return train 'as soon as possible'. South Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express also warned of severe disruption with speed restrictions already imposed on some lines.

The Met Office initially issued a rain warning across southern England from Cornwall to Suffolk but then extended it northwards over Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.bIt runs until 3am tomorrow and warns of further power cuts and villages becoming cut off.

Meteorologists also warned of further flooding to homes and businesses, road closures, difficult driving conditions and cancellations to train and bus services.